Canon launches MV700 series digital camcorders

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PRESS RELEASE: Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of its new 800K pixel MV700 series camcorders - the MV750i, MV730i, MV700i and MV700. Building on Canon's 70 year heritage of precision optics, the new camcorders have the highest zoom ratios of any camcorder in this class (22x optical zoom, 440x combined for the MV750i), despite their compact size (490g and less than 14cm long). Retaining the slim, ergonomic 'palm' design, the new camcorders are 18% smaller than their popular predecessors, the MV600 series.
Although designed to appeal to new DV users, the MV700 camcorders are generously specified and include features such as Image Stabilisation, 1/6" high resolution CCD sensor and DIGIC DV processors. DIGIC DV is the dedicated DV processor found in Canon's high?end camcorders, used to recreate exceptionally natural mages.

"The introduction of these camcorders demonstrates Canon's increasing profile in this important market" said Malcolm Hills, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging in the UK and Ireland. "The technological superiority of these products stems directly from Canon's R&D leadership in precision optics and digital imaging technologies".

Digital still
There are four models in the range; the 22x optical zoom MV750i, 20x optical zoom MV730i, and 18x optical zoom MV700i and MV700. Both the MV750i and MV730i feature a 'Progressive Photo System' that can simultaneously capture digital still images whilst shooting video footage and can store captured images as JPEG files direct to either MMC or SD memory cards. A mechanical shutter provides true digital still camera functionality, eliminating the blur that afflicts conventional camcorders. Both camcorders feature IEEE 1394 (Firewire™) and USB ports, and support the vendor independent PictBridge standard for PC-less direct printing to any PictBridge compatible printer.

Motion-JPEG
Internet sharing of clips and footage has been simplified with the capacity to record Motion-JPEG (MPEG) files direct to either MMC or SD memory cards. Depending on the memory card capacity, up to 60 minutes of either QVGA or QQVGA formats can be recorded straight to card. Now, with the MV7001 series models it is also possible to copy scenes from the Digital Video tape to the MMC or SD card, offering an additional option for easily sharing footage.

Ease of use
The new models build on the MV600 series' reputation of ease of use compared to other digital camcorders. All important functions sit right underneath the finger tips for single handed and intuitive operation, while menu options are agile and elegant. For those with no prior knowledge of video, the MV700 camcorders are designed to work straight out of the box, while a range of creative features are also available to satisfy the adventurous.

Full range of modes
The MV750i features Super Night mode, with an LED for shooting in zero-light conditions, plus a new Night+ mode, making it possible to switch the LED on and off whilst shooting. All camcorders in the range feature another eight modes: Full Auto, Auto, Sports, Portrait, Spotlight, Sand & Snow, Low Light and Night. Creative digital effects include Art, Sepia, Monochrome, Mosaic, Mirror, Cube and Wave, with 9 fade modes to choose from. The auto shutter range is from 1/25 to 1/500 seconds. A skin detail mode softens skin tones for flattering warm results, putting an end to the sometimes harsh results of conventional camcorders.

New levels in image quality
The focus on image quality keeps the fifth generation MV700 series true to Canon's core strengths and values. Canon's high-precision, glass moulded optics manufacturing techniques produce the aspheric elements utilised in the camcorders' lenses to deliver a pin sharp crispness across the frame. Image Stabilisation in all models limits frustrating image shake, making tripod use unnecessary in most shooting situations.

Smarter, faster, more efficient
At the heart of the MV700 series camcorders is Canon's purpose built Digital Image Core (DIGIC) DV processor. Unlike competitor products limited by the use of generic processors, Canon's DIGIC DV is capable of handling complex image processing algorithms in real time. This allows a different rendering processes to run in parallel for still and video images, resulting in uncompromising image quality for both. Rather than simply recording what the lens ‘sees', DIGIC DV is used to recreate what Canon technicians refer to as ‘emotional' colours, tones and details that are perceived as far more pleasing and realistic to the human eye. DIGIC DV combines all the key processing and memory requirements onto a single chip, making the camcorders more efficient than other brands and contributing to the MV700 series' 11 hours+ maximum continuous shooting time.

Improved audio
A new filter is included in all models, which removes tape mechanism noise and bearing noise from audio recordings (40dB S/N). A new digital audio signal processing IC, AIF4, replaces the analogue AIF3 circuitry of the MV600 series, allowing for more precise tuning of the sound quality. An ALC (Automatic Level Control) has been built into the speaker driver to ensure there is no sound distortion, even when the volume control is set to maximum.

Software
Two-way communication software DV Messenger 2.0 combines elements of Microsoft Windows Messenger and Canon's own network solution. It provides two-way (peer-to-peer) communication while also enabling the exchange of audio and video data - live or recorded - over the Internet, as well as camera and VCR modes.

Analogue/Digital converter
The MV750i, MV730i and MV700i all feature an Analogue-In and Analogue/Digital converter. Analogue devices such as VHS players or analogue camcorders can be connected to have their analogue signals converted into digital, which can then be stored direct to the camcorder or output to a digital storage device such as a PC.

Pricing, availability and reader enquiries
The MV700 series camcorders will be available from the end of February 2004.